There are different kinds of learning be it contemporary or comprehensive way of learning that has been a developed match to the modern concept of competence which includes cognitive learning including emotional as well as social dimensions. Transformational learning is a theory that is based on how people make sense of their life experiences. It can be termed as a development of constructivism, a theory that holds that each learner creates their own meaning through the integration of newly learned material with the inherent or previous knowledge. It transforms the way we think, and therefore it changes the whole perception about an idea or situation that come our way, and these changes generally arise from either intentional or incidental moments that cause the learner to reflect on the significant knowledge that they might have gained through the process and also has an impact of one’s understanding.(Taylor, n.d.)

When education is transformative, it can ought to prepare people to critically consider the fundamental causes of the world’s problems with sustainability, justice, and equality. It can also facilitate structural shifts in fundamental beliefs, emotions, and behaviors while providing students with the skills, information, and attitudes needed to advance sustainable development. Understanding and anticipating change, managing uncertainty, critical thinking, changing values, appreciating diversity, and empathy are all made possible by transformative education. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are underscored by a transformative vision.

History

There are ten phases that are included in the Transformative Learning by Jack Mezirow in 1978. In an effort to address the needs of U.S. women who either wanted to resume their education or were considering employment after an extended period of time, and so he conducted qualitative research and found that, “A person’s view and presumptions must significantly change as a result of transformative learning. It is brought on by a perplexing predicament that calls into question preconceived notions. Critical conversation and critical reflection on presumptions are essential components of the process.”(Hoggan & Finnegan, 2023)

Phases/Stages of Transformative Learning

1. Experiencing disorienting dilemma
   A disorienting dilemma is a situation where a learner finds that what they thought or believed in the past may not be accurate. This is the first part of transformational learning.
2. Conducting a self-examination
   Learning individuals experience a shift of perspective upon realizing that theirs may not be the sole perspective.
3. Critical assessment of assumptions
   It enables them to remain receptive to new information and acknowledge that some of their presumptions were incorrect.
4. Similar recognition shared by others
   An employee is able to acknowledge that others have also gone through similar experiences and that they are not alone in feeling unsatisfied with the transformation process.
5. Exploration options of new roles or actions
   During a period of transformative learning, the person can look for new roles that fit their newly acquired talents.
6. Development of a plan for action
   As we pursue a transformative learning path, we ought to strengthen our convictions and comprehension.
   It gives someone the ability to choose for themselves.
7. Acquisition of knowledge and skills for implementing the plan
   Employees undergo a shift in perspective and make a plan of action after realizing how their prior ideas may have been incorrect or misinformed.
8. Trying out a new plan, relationship or behaviour
   When people continue to carry out their plans in their transformational learning, that is where the true learning takes place. Learning new topics and taking into account different viewpoints requires a lot of work and effort.
9. Development of competence and self-confidence in new roles
   In order to succeed in transformational learning, one must explore and make an effort to comprehend every shift.
10. Reintegration into life on the basis of new perspectives
    People create an implementation strategy, which enables them to successfully integrate into life on the basis of new viewpoints, after the ten phases.

Importance of Transformative Learning

The transformational learning is quite important for the growth, as it provides certain advantages, as

• Changing habitual perspectives
  Students can be provided with a diversified field where they can interact with others, to have a wide range of perspectives. It can also foster empathy by compelling learners to acknowledge and analyse diverse perspectives.
• Help the learners to identify and question their assumptions
  Critical analysis can be done with the help of modelling the behaviour by sharing case studies.
• Better problem-solving applications and struggling with developmental and periodical problems
  Critical investigation of presumptions is an inevitable part of the problem-solving process involved in transformative learning. Learners can refine these soft skills by applying them.
• Job and Workplace adaptation
  Businesses now have the chance to collaborate with a wide variety of international teams and these teams must be cognizant of the various cultural backgrounds of their coworkers if they are to collaborate well. Therefore, exposing learners to a variety of cultural experiences can aid in broadening their perspective on the world and fostering traits like empathy, compassion, and diversity appreciation.
• Social education projects
  People who are able to critically analyze their own prejudices and presumptions are better able to collaborate and communicate with people from different backgrounds.
  Increased creativity and innovative problem-solving across a range of sectors can result from a populace that is more critical thinkers and open-minded.

Fostering Transformative Learning Environments

The goal of transformative learning settings is to establish circumstances that motivate students to question their presumptions and viewpoints, resulting in a profound change in their worldview.

• Job shadowing
  Learning about the duties and acquiring experience in the function of a senior member in a position you aspire to is one of the most popular examples of transformative learning.
• Scenario-based learning and encourage critical reflection
  An excellent illustration of transformative learning is when learners gain knowledge and competencies via scenario-based learning experiences in a secure setting, facilitated by other members of the organization.
• Cultural adaptation at the workplace
  Through fostering empathy and perspective-taking, transformative learning has the potential to foster tolerance and mutual understanding among individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Promote Experimental learning
• Co-working with different departments and a safe space of exploration

Written by : ANSHIKA VERMA, Jaipuria Institute of Management